Suspect, trapped in burning car after fleeing state police on Interstate 91 in Northampton, in serious condition at Baystate

NORTHAMPTON - A suspect, pulled from a burning car by state troopers after he fled from them on Interstate 91 and then crashed, is in serious condition at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he remains under armed guard.

The crash, which involved three vehicles, including a state police cruiser, occurred shortly after 2:40 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 91.

State police identify the suspect as Darryl Whitaker, 54, of Chicopee. He will be charged with several outstanding warrants and motor vehicle offenses related to his failure to stop for police.

The incident began when state troopers attempted to stop a Ford Mustang in the northbound lanes of Interstate 91 in West Springfield, according to a release.

The suspect, wanted by Springfield police for warrants and motor vehicle violations, fled at a high rate of speed.

State police Troop B headquarters in Northampton then authorized a pursuit and assumed command and control, according to the release.

The suspect refused to stop and troopers placed a Stinger tire deflation device ahead of the fleeing Mustang on Interstate 91 where it crosses the Connecticut River.

Workers on a construction project up ahead were warned to leave the roadway.

The fleeing Mustang's right-side tires hit the Stinger and it continued for a time on the damaged tires and then crashed into a construction sign then into a construction contractor's truck parked in the median.

The Mustang then burst into flames with Whitaker trapped inside. A contractor suffered minor injuries and the flying sign landed on the windshield of one of the pursuing cruisers.

Troopers rushed up to the burning Mustang and pulled Whittaker out.

The contractor, a 41-year-old Gill man, was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

The trooper whose cruiser was struck by the construction sign was not injured, however, the cruiser sustained significant damage.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.